Synthesis Paper Guidelines

Essential Questions What are issues in urban schools that result in academic disparities? How do students perceive these issues? How do parents and communities perceive them? How do teachers see their role in these issues?

Investigative Questions Context: What are the diverse populations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and inner-ring suburbs? What are the diverse teacher populations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and inner-ring suburbs? Perception: Are there differences in the way teachers experience diverse student populations compared to other teachers? Interaction: What is the impact of diverse student populations and the relative lack of diversity among teachers on students and teachers in urban schools?

Background Research Based on essential questions Develop group and individual research questions Use investigative questions to inform your research questions Work in Collaboratories to conduct research Individual students write a paper describing the diversity among students and teachers in urban and inner-ring schools Determine a topic for further study based on their individual interests

Group Activities (100 pts): Group participants will Review and analyze research questions and provide the following on the schools you choose: existing student population data in three selected schools across three school districts (Minneapolis/St. Paul/7-County Metro Area; not Mpls. Or St. Paul), Interview teachers and district personnel, students, parents, and community resources.

Students will work in collaboratories to develop instruments, procedures, and conduct data collection to prepare class-wide group presentations. Collaboratories will complete participation sheets to document the collaboratory process. Findings will be presented in class as the final exam for the course.

The presentation should include the following components: Description of school demographics and other characteristics (available on the Minnesota Department of Education website) Comparison of the 3 schools based on the following: Population Academic achievement Graduation and Dropout rates Teacher/educator demographics Supplementary information from teacher, administration, and other staff interviews regarding the characteristics of the schools Supplementary information from parents and Supplementary community resources (see below for guidelines) Identification of 3 common critical issues found across the schools Identification of differences in perceived issues among schools The group’s identification of critical issues for prospective urban teachers in light of your findings

Interviews with Learning Community Resources Schedule and conduct an interview with (1) a parent of a learner in an urban or inner-ring suburban school and (2) at least one type of professional from the list below: School social worker School nurse Community service agency serving your school site Attendance liaison Parent liaison Site council parent member Educational assistant

Interviews with Learning Community Resources Prepare a set of 5-8 questions prior to the interview related to the purpose of this assignment and your interests. Share responses in small group exercises in class. Write a paper (3rd section of the overall paper) summarizing findings and awareness based on the responses received from individuals interviewed. Describe how this information can facilitate efforts in becoming an effective partner in creating a positive learning community.

Interviews Interview at least two educators, administrators or classified employees about resiliency.

Resiliency Interviews Inquire about: 1) how they are an example of resiliency to the students. This activity might include information about the interviewee’s “hidden resume” (background and experiences that most people don’t know about them or wouldn’t be listed on their actual resume); 2) How they attempt in their work to foster resiliency in students; and 3) An example of a student(s) they particularly remember who has demonstrated resilience and achievement in the face of adversity.

Resiliency Interviews Write a brief reflective essay that describes who you spoke with and summarizes what you learned about resiliency from these interviews that can help you both foster resilience in your students and be resilient as an urban educator.